10/07/2026
Yesterday, our Chief Operating Officer, Steven McMillion, was inducted into the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project at Liberty City Elementary School, where he also served as the featured speaker for the program’s tie-tying ceremony.
Speaking from personal experience, he shared openly with the students about the choices he made growing up, the consequences that followed, and the lessons that helped shape who he is today. Growing up in Buffalo, he also spoke about losing friends and family members to gun violence and how those experiences strengthened his commitment to community-based work — a commitment he has carried for the past 25 years.
The young boys recited their oath, making a commitment to the values and responsibilities of the 5000 Role Models program. For the tie-tying ceremony, all of the men in the room, including members of our staff, joined them in putting on their ties, offering words of encouragement, wisdom, and affirmation along the way.
It was a powerful reminder that mentorship is about more than what we tell young people. It’s about showing up, sharing what we’ve learned, holding space for their growth, and reminding them that their choices today can shape the future they build tomorrow.
We’re proud to see our team members continuing to invest in the next generation of leaders. And we’re proud to support events and programs like this in our community.
